This article was published in 2013 and updated in October 2026.

Slow pages, buffering videos and dropped video calls in some rooms? A weak Wi-Fi signal is one of the most common home network problems — and most of the fixes are free or cheap. Here’s how to improve your Wi-Fi signal step by step.

1. Find a better spot for your router

Router placement makes a big difference. Wi-Fi signals get weaker with distance and with every wall, floor and large object in the way. Place the router:

• as centrally as possible in your home, not in a corner or the basement,
• raised up, for example on a shelf, not on the floor or behind the TV,
• in the open, not inside a cupboard or cabinet,
• away from metal objects, mirrors, fridges, fish tanks and thick concrete walls, which block or reflect the signal,
• away from microwaves, baby monitors and cordless phones, which can cause interference on the 2.4 GHz band.

2. Use the right frequency band

Modern routers transmit on several bands. 2.4 GHz reaches further and passes walls better but is slower and more crowded; 5 GHz and 6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7) are much faster at shorter range. Many routers combine the bands under one network name and move devices automatically (“band steering”). If a device far from the router keeps dropping, connecting it to 2.4 GHz can help.

3. Change the Wi-Fi channel

In apartment buildings, dozens of neighbouring networks can share the same channels and interfere with yours. Most routers choose the best channel automatically; if yours doesn’t, use a Wi-Fi analyser app to find a less crowded channel and set it in the router’s settings. On 2.4 GHz, stick to channels 1, 6 or 11 (1, 6 or 13 in Europe) to avoid overlap.

4. Update or replace your router

Install firmware updates for your router — they fix bugs, improve performance and close security holes. If your router is many years old, a new model with Wi-Fi 6, 6E or 7 can handle many more devices and deliver much better speeds, as long as your devices support the newer standard too.

5. Extend your network with mesh or access points

In large homes or houses with several floors, one router may not be enough. A mesh Wi-Fi system uses several units that work together as one seamless network. Additional access points connected by network cable give the best results. Simple Wi-Fi repeaters (range extenders) are cheap, but often halve the speed and create a separate network — choose a mesh-compatible extender from your router’s manufacturer if possible. Powerline adapters, which send the network through your power lines, are another option.

6. Use a cable where it matters

For devices that don’t move — a desktop PC, smart TV, game console or home office — an Ethernet cable from the router is still faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi, and frees up wireless capacity for everything else.

7. Secure your network

Make sure nobody else is using your connection. Use WPA3 or at least WPA2 encryption with a strong password — never the outdated WEP, which can be cracked in minutes. Check the list of connected devices in your router’s app or settings and remove anything you don’t recognise. Read more about how to secure your home Wi-Fi network.

8. Manage bandwidth-hungry devices

Many devices streaming 4K video, downloading game updates or backing up to the cloud at the same time can slow everyone down. Schedule large downloads for the night and use your router’s Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritise video calls or gaming.

Still slow? The problem may be your internet line rather than your Wi-Fi — see our tips to improve your internet connection speed.

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• 8 Ways to Improve Your Internet Security
• How to Choose the Best Internet Provider: A Practical Guide
• Internet Privacy at Work: What Your Employer Can See